Augsburg sign Parkhurst on a free transfer

FC Augsburg have signed United States international Michael Parkhurst on a free transfer from Danish champions FC Nordsjaelland.

Parkhurst has 15 caps for the United States

"Michael Parkhurst is an established defender, who mostly played as a right-back for Nordsjaelland," Augsburg general manager Jurgen Rollmann said. "You all know, we have problems in that position. Parkhurst can also play on the left and in central defence. We are certain he will help our team."

Halfway through the season Augsburg are stuck at the foot of the table, level on nine points with Greuther Furth and only off the bottom on goals scored. In their second year in the top flight they have only won one and drawn six of their 17 games. It looks nearly impossible for Augsburg to close in on Wolfsburg, in the last position of safety on 19 points. But Hoffenheim, in the relegation play-off place, are still within sight to give Augsburg hope of staying up.

Parkhurst featured in all six Champions League games for Nordsjaelland as they finished bottom of a group which included Shakhtar Donetsk, Juventus and Chelsea.

"I am looking forward to FC Augsburg and the Bundesliga," Parkhurst said. "I want to contribute my share to secure Bundesliga football for Augsburg. I attended the DFB-Pokal match against Bayern and despite the defeat I was impressed by the great atmosphere. I can't wait to play for Augsburg."